The stigma of dementia sufferers

A survey by the Alzheimer's Society has found that many patients said that the "stigma surrounding dementia" made their lives much more difficult.

The charity interviewed 62 people in the UK. 32 of the people they interviewed were dementia patients.

Many said they saw their neighbours going out of their way so they did not have to speak to them. They also said doctors failed to spot or diagnose symptoms of dementia.

In addition, the charity spoke to 4,000 people in a general survey. It found that 50% of respondents said they thought dementia patients faced a "serious problem" from the stigma associated with the condition.

The charity said that "dismissive, unhelpful or uninformed responses from GPs and doctors working in specialist services" added to the problems suffered by dementia patients looking for a diagnosis.

Neil Hunt, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, said: "Today's report exposes the desperate need to increase awareness among the public and professionals."

"There must be investment in national awareness campaigns. Government, charities, services and employers need to work together to make this a reality."

One third of people aged above 65 will die because of dementia. There are 700,000 people with the condition in the UK.

The Department of Health stated that they would address the issues in their National Dementia Strategy, which is due for publication in November.